I will be SEWING this summer!

I've decided to sew this summer.  I'm going to make some clothes for myself that I like and that actually fit me properly.  Skirts.  Dresses.  YES.

I feel confident.  Much like my venture into knitting, I fortunately have a basic foundation of knowledge to build from.  My mom taught me how to use and thread (essential!) a sewing machine.  She sewed all my Halloween costumes as a kid.  I watched, I learned, I helped some.  I've hemmed my own pants and patched a few things over the years.  I also learned how to hand-sew in Girl Scouts.  Like riding a bike, these are things that I've learned and will never forgot how to do.  I'm out of practice, sure.  But...OH, I'm gonna SEW!

AND FYI: I got a FREE sewing machine back in September.  (That's a funny story for another time.)

Sew...

Last week I began to search (read: scour the internet for hours) for free patterns, ideas, and inspirations.  I also pulled a few things from my closet that I intend to alter or patch or transform into a whole new garment.  I'm learning some of the "lingo" from sewing-blogs also - and debating whether or not I want to start a whole new blog for this. 

At the moment tho, a new/second blog seems like too much work.  I'm not kidding myself.  I hardly blog at all.

Case in point:  I've already sewn a few things, but...it will be a few days/weeks before I get around to posting.

Favorite sites thus far:

Burda Style, Downloadable Patterns

Thanks to CandyApples, a burlesque dancer I met on the bus a few months ago.  She was admiring my freshly knitted cowl, and we started talking about crafts.  She recommended I check out the site - which has both FREE patterns and cheap ($5.40) downloadable patterns. 

Colette Patterns

Based in Portland!  Very cute.  New vintage.  I found these dresses discussed on a number of sewing and crafting blogs.  On the more expensive side ($16-$18) but worth it, assuming that they are really geared towards someone my age and size.  Their blog is a hidden treasure trove of sewing tips!

The Sew Weekly

This lady made 7 Colette dresses in 7 days!  The challenge spurned this cute site.

Craftster

Want to learn about the crazy online craft world that you never knew existed.  This is where you start.  I'm still overwhelmed by it at this point.

NEXT UP:

- The Pj pants I finally finished
- The skirt I shortened
- The food I've cooked over the last few months:  Rhubarb pie, Nettles, Fiddlehead ferns, and more.